LIVE: Ballerina Murder Trial — FL v. Ashley Benefield — Day 2

Former ballerina Ashley Benefield is accused of killing her husband, Douglas Benefield, in September 2020. The Florida couple were in the middle of a heated custody battle when Ashley shot Doug. Prosecutors believe Ashley murdered Doug so she could gain full custody of their young daughter, however, Ashley claims she shot Doug in self-defense after months of alleged abuse. The medical examiner does not believe Doug was facing Ashley when she fired off four rounds at him.

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[darleneizaguirre]

An "abuser"that lets his victim hold arms, go on a cruise with friends, reprehend his daughter, that takes her to live with her mom and even start dating. Then she invites the "abuser" to her house to help her move and she kills him. Is she really playing the victim here? nobody bites that.

[origamikiddo]

Working timestamps

24:06 Bring the Jury (sound soon starts)
27:07 Ashley Byers (mom) direct
6:11:28 afternoon break
6:33:21 return from afternoon break
6:35:50 Psychologist Brad Broder direct
7:17:53 Dr. Jason Quintal direct
7:30:14 5 min break
7:38:42 court returns

[bobbyd]

Thankfully the judge has control of this court room. Watched him before, a no nonsense kinda guy.

[debidriscoll]

Accused him of poisioning but never went to the emergency room for a blood draw?
Afraid for her childs life but does nothing to get proof of her claim. That right there says she was lying to keep the baby for herself.

[debidriscoll]

Hazmat for a package he sent his wife BEFORE the court order to stay away??? She really is crazy.

[jenniferharper]

I absolutely cannot believe that ashley and her mother never once discussed why she shot him !

[jenniferhornsby]

I’m dying over here! Her mama is full of it! She’s all don’t know, don’t remember? But when the defense attorney gets up there she’s all smiles and specific times and everything! Get out of here!

[glendabpospisil]

I’m curious that neither the state nor defence asked the mother “was she concerned for her daughter’s welfare?” leaving Ashley alone with Doug. There was no ? Regarding her being aware of DM.

[amandameekhael]

After hearing his former attorney talk about the evaluation and her shooting 3 days before that release, I feel like she’s guilty?

[Englishheart]

Ashley won’t have much space to practice her pirouettes in jail😂😂😂.

[jeebs]

The state brings a doctor in who did a psychological report on the parents, but the judge wont let the defense ask if he came to a determination that Doug had been involved in domestic violence. I dont get it. How is that not relevant in a case that has to do with self defense involving a spouse?

[CapstoneTider]

The defense attorney sounds normal with the speed set at 1.25x, but everyone else sounds sped up. 😂

[pinklady]

I never thought I would say this about another defense attorney after Chad Daybell's attorney, Prior, but Ballerina girl's lawyer is a total butt wipe! Glad the judge got on him!

[Ells]

And a whoopin he is getting! Love this judge!

[deborahcollins]

The defense lawyer is horrific! The nerve

[debidriscoll]

A socalled reporter has important information but refuses to say it in open court? Lol

[goose]

As a survivor of DV and a DVPO that lasted nearly 9 years (while having to deal with custody and co-parenting), I can't help but think that this woman has some serious psychological problems. I know that some would think that because of my history that I would _likely_ *ALWAYS* believe the "victim, " but if there's something I've learned over the past almost 10 years, it's that many "victims, " actually lie to try to use that status in custody cases.

[johnchonka]

Wow I can't believe this defense attorney how unprofessional he is being especially with all the experience he has wow what are disgrace

[yvettepz]

Her defense attorney really makes me chuckle 😂 He’s ridiculous

[TheLordOfCatan]

The lady/witness in pink, Stephanie Murphy, and the defendant's lawyer, gave off so much "big Karen energy" that I'm surprised no one was held in contempt of court by the end 😂